Whiteley to captain Springboks

Loose-forward Warren Whiteley has been named Springbok captain as beleaguered coach Allister Coetzee announced his squad for the three-test home series against France next month.

Lions captain Warren Whiteley. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Whiteley takes over from hooker Adriaan Strauss, who retired from international rugby at the end of last season, and will be the 58th player to lead the Springboks in tests.

"He (Whiteley) is respected by his team mates and opposition alike and has a lot of experience when it comes to captaincy, having led the Lions with great authority for many seasons. He is resilient, copes well under pressure and makes good decisions," Coetzee said.

Returning to the squad are number eight Duane Vermeulen and utility back Frans Steyn as the Boks look to put behind them a disastrous 2016, the worst in the country's test history, in which they won only four of their 12 matches.

Steyn, a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, last played for the side in 2012 and can cover at flyhalf, centre or fullback.

Coetzee found himself under immense pressure last year, his first in charge of the team, after a dismal run of results that included a first ever loss to Italy and a record 57-15 home hammering by New Zealand.

"A lot of hard work has been done since the start of the season to make sure we improve as a team," Coetzee said.